Despite the severe economic downturn, 2009 was a year in which the Mohair Industry showed remarkable character, judging by the prices achieved on the scheduled mohair sales.

 

The average market indicator for the 2008 and 2009 seasons was as follows:

 

 Source: Mohair SA, January 2010.

 

Kid                                          (1^st shearing)

Young Goat                          (from 3^rd shearing)

Adult                                       (4^th shearing onwards)

 

With the exception of the kid segment of the market, prices excelled during the latter half of the year, with fine adults ending off the year 53% higher, while strong adults achieved 61% higher than the opening sale of the year. The average market indicator also increased by 29% from the beginning of the winter season and by 31% from the beginning of the year.

 

Italy has once again come to the fore as the leading importer from South Africa, followed by China and the UK.

 

Exports for the fist eleven months of 2009 were 6% higher than the corresponding period in 2008, with an increase in exports of kid mohair towards the end of 2009 increasing the hopes for a revival of the kid market during 2010.

 

There are numerous investment opportunities that exist within the mohair industry namely:

·         Angora goats are a viable option for potential farmers as they are shorn twice a year and hence deliver an income twice a year.

·         There is a growing demand for goat meat as it considered low fat.

·         A growing skills shortage exists in the shearing and farm labourer trade, which creates opportunities on ground level for employment.

·         With blankets having come back in fashion, there are opportunities in the secondary manufacturing industry (mohair blanket factory), which is mainly focused on the export market.

 

·         Opportunities exist for investment in the Empowerment Trust of the mohair industry. Its sole purpose is black economic empowerment within the mohair industry (i.e. farming, buying, brokering, processing and manufacturing etc.).

 

·         The Mohair Meander was launched at the Mohair Summit in November 2009. This is a very positive move for the agri- tourism sector, especially in the rural areas. The Mohair Meander offers opportunities for the mohair producers and existing manufactures to expose their products and sites to the world of tourism.

 

·         As mohair is a natural fibre, there are countless opportunities for small manufactures to utilise mohair when manufacturing for the craft industry. There is a world-wide demand for natural fibre products.

·         Mohair has many qualities which can be utilised in the industrial field. Its insulation qualities make it a winner for temperature control and noise control amongst other things.

·         Mohair is one of the most durable natural fibres with a rub count that exceeds 1 million rubs. This is especially important in areas where there is a high volume of traffic and abrasion.

 

·         Mohair is exceptionally absorbent and useful in products such as diabetic socks. This creates potential opportunities for the use of it in the medical industry.